12 Natural Remedies For Conjunctivitis

‘Pink eyes’ is another term for conjunctivitis and is a common infection of the eyes. The condition is characterized by reddening and inflammation of the eyes. The inflammation can cause pain and discomfort in the eyes. The eyes do not open properly nor respond well to bright light.

Conjunctivitis can be infectious or not depending on the type of infection and its cause. However, the most commonly seen form of conjunctivitis is caused by bacterial infection and is highly contagious. The condition is commonly seen during monsoons when it can gain epidemic proportions.

The condition is not a serious disorder and is easily treated using topical medications and oral antibiotics. However, there are natural remedies also available for the treatment of conjunctivitis. These treatments are safe and very effective. Let’s take a look at some of these home remedies for treating conjunctivitis.

If you wish to be treated completely for conjunctivitis then it is important that you never rub or even touch your eyes. This can cause the infection to become severe if your hands contain harmful germs. Before you begin any treatment for correcting conjunctivitis always wash your hands with an anti-bacterial soap and lukewarm water. This will eliminate the germs from your skin.

Home Remedies For Treating Conjunctivitis

Wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap at least 7-10 times a day. Air dry your hands instead of drying them on a towel. This will greatly reduce chances of your eyes becoming infected with any other serious condition. Clean your hands with soap and water if you accidently touch your eyes.

Stay away from makeup of any kind especially those of the eyes. Don’t apply kohl, eye liners or any other eye makeup. Applying warm-cold compress will help reduce the swelling and redness of the eyes. Alternate between application of warm and cold compress; first apply warm compress for 2 minutes followed by cold compress for one minute. Repeat the treatment throughout the day to reduce the discomfort associated with conjunctivitis.

Splash cold water on your eyes throughout the day. You could also put some water in a spray bottle and refrigerate it. Simply spray the water in the eyes every time you feel pain or irritation in the eyes. You could also use chilled rose water for cleaning your eyes. Even eyebright is a useful herb for treating the symptoms of conjunctivitis.

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Eyebright can be found in any health store. Prepare a concoction of eyebright by adding a handful of the herb in one cup of boiling water. Boil for 7-10 minutes and then remove from flame. Strain the concoction and allow it to cool. Splash eyes with the eyebright liquid for relief from conjunctivitis.

Take used bags of chamomile tea and chill them in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Place the chilled chamomile tea bags directly over your eyes for 15 minutes to get rid of inflammation and redness of the eyes. This treatment should be done at least 4 times a day to prevent swelling and redness caused by the infection.

Add a teaspoon of boric acid powder to one cup of boiling water. Boil the powder in the water for 10 minutes. Remove from flame and place it over the rack to cool. Let the boric acid solution come down to a warm temperature.

Soak a piece of clean cloth in the solution, squeeze it and then use the cloth to clean the pus accumulated in the eyes. You can even spray the water over the eyes to get rid of irritation. However, keep your eyes closed when you spray the solution.

Take a cup of cold water and add 1 ½ tablespoons of Triphala powder to it. Mix the powder well in the water. Clean your eyes with this solution. Triphala is an Indian herb that is used majorly for weight loss and can be brought from any ayurvedic medicine store or from any health food store.

Take a potato and remove its skin. Wash the potato well with cold water to get rid of any dirt. Thinly slice the potato and put the slices in the refrigerator. After a couple of hours take out two slices of potato and place them over your eyes for 15 minutes. Throw away the slices after use. This treatment can be done as many numbers of times as you want. The juices of potato will help bring down the swelling of the eyes and also treat the infection.

Take a handful of Indian lilac or neem leaves and wash them well to remove dirt and other germs. Add leaves to a pan of boiling hot water and cover the pan with a lid. Steep the leaves in hot water for 15 minutes. Open the lid, strain the liquid and throw away the boiled leaves. Pour the neem infusion in a bottle and wash your eyes with it. The antibacterial properties of neem will cure the infection in 3-4 days.

To cure conjunctivitis in small children, prepare a solution of honey and water. Soak a clean cloth in the solution and apply the cloth over the eyes. Honey will not sting the eyes and effectively reduce the swelling and redness due to its antiseptic properties.

Boil a handful of fennel seeds in a cup of water for 10-15 minutes. Remove from flame and allow the fennel concoction to cool. Strain the cooled liquid and pour it in a spray bottle. Use the spray on your eyes to get relief from pain and discomfort.

If you or someone in your house suffers from conjunctivitis then you must first isolate that person to avoid spread of infection. Wash all the clothes and linen used by the infected person separately in hot water. Soak the clothes in hot water and a strong detergent for 30 minutes. This will kill the infection causing bacteria present in the clothes.

The infected person should also restrict his/her movement to ensure the infection does not spread. Take leave from work for as long as the infection remains. Usually the infection takes about 3-4 days to get cured completely.